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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

AmeriFlux FLUXNET-1F US-Me3 Metolius-second young aged pine

This is the AmeriFlux Management Project (AMP) created FLUXNET-1F version of the carbon flux data for the site US-Me3 Metolius-second young aged pine. This is the FLUXNET version of the carbon flux data for the site US-Me3 Metolius-second young aged pine produced by applying the standard ONEFlux (1F) software. Site Description - This site is located on a Forest Service mensuration plot (various seed sources) that was planted in 1987. Deer browsing is prevented by a fence.

Law, Bev↗
DOE OSTI2026

AmeriFlux FLUXNET-1F US-Me5 Metolius-first young aged pine

This is the AmeriFlux Management Project (AMP) created FLUXNET-1F version of the carbon flux data for the site US-Me5 Metolius-first young aged pine. This is the FLUXNET version of the carbon flux data for the site US-Me5 Metolius-first young aged pine produced by applying the standard ONEFlux (1F) software. Site Description - Previously old-growth ponderosa pine, clearcut in 1978 and allowed to regenerate naturally. Law et al (2001) Global Change Biology 7, 755-777; Law et al (2001) Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 110, 27-43; Anthoni et al (2002) Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 111, 203-222; Irvine & Law (2002) Global Change biology 8,1183-1194, Irivne et al (2004) Tree Physiology 24,753-763.

Law, Bev [Oregon State University]↗
DOE OSTI2021

Cdkn1a transcript variant 2 is a marker of aging and cellular senescence

Cellular senescence is a cell fate response characterized by a permanent cell cycle arrest driven primarily the by cell cycle inhibitor and tumor suppressor proteins p16 Ink4a and p21 Cip1/Waf1 . In mice, the p21 Cip1/Waf1 encoding locus, Cdkn1a , is known to generate two transcripts that produce identical proteins, but one of these transcript variants is poorly characterized. We show that the Cdkn1a transcript variant 2, but not the better-studied variant 1, is selectively elevated during natural aging across multiple mouse tissues. Importantly, mouse cells induced to senescence in culture by genotoxic stress (ionizing radiation or doxorubicin) upregulated both transcripts, but with different temporal dynamics: variant 1 responded nearly immediately to genotoxic stress, whereas variant 2 increased much more slowly as cells acquired senescent characteristics. Upon treating mice systemically with doxorubicin, which induces widespread cellular senescence in vivo , variant 2 increased to a larger extent than variant 1. Variant 2 levels were also more sensitive to the senolytic drug ABT-263 in naturally aged mice. Thus, variant 2 is a novel and more sensitive marker than variant 1 or total p21 Cip1/Waf1 protein for assessing the senescent cell burden and clearance in mice.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Quantitative Biostratigraphic Analysis and Age Estimates of Middle Cretaceous Sequences in The Baltimore Canyon Trough, Offshore Mid-Atlantic U.S. Margin

ABSTRACT We applied quantitative methods to previously published biostratigraphic data from the Baltimore Canyon Trough (offshore of the Mid-Atlantic U.S.A.) to provide an improved chronostratigraphic framework for Cretaceous sequences. Here, we successfully used graphic correlation of 228 planktonic foraminifera, nannofossil, and palynological events spanning 22 wells to define assemblage and interval zones as well as major paleoenvironmental changes in the Dawson Canyon, Logan Canyon (three sequences), and Missisauga Formations (two sequences, undifferentiated here). Ranking and scaling techniques were not successful because of the of the limited number of usable biostratigraphic markers. The ages of the sequences previously identified using well logs and seismic profiles were temporally constrained based on chronostratigraphically significant biostratigraphic markers that we identified: the late Cenomanian to Turonian DCx sequence (Rotalipora cushmani and Thalmanninella greenhornensis); the early Cenomanian LC1 sequence; the middle and late Albian LC2 sequence (Braarudosphaera africana, Planomalina buxtorfi, and Spinidinium vestitum); the late Aptian LC3 sequence (Cyclonephelium tabulatum); and the early Aptian to Barremian Missisauga sequences (Aptea anaphrissa, Pseudoceratium pelliferum, and Muderongia simplex). These five biostratigraphic associations are correlated with six prominent seismic reflectors and sequence boundaries that can be traced across the basin. Duration of hiatuses associated with these sequence boundaries are uncertain, though our Monte Carlo analysis allows extraction of age estimates from broad and sometimes contradictory ranges and suggests correlation of hiatuses with global sea-level falls. Together, these seismic and biostratigraphic interpretations can be applied (1) to evaluate reservoir continuity and the viability of offshore carbon storage reservoirs in the Baltimore Canyon Trough, (2) to better define the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the basin, and (3) to contribute to the understanding of regional and global variations in Cretaceous sea level.

Paleontology↗
DOE OSTI2020

Comprehensive Data Analysis and Analytic Method Development for PBX9501 Material (FY2019 Annual Report of Aging and Lifetimes Program)

In the polymer bonded explosive (PBX) 9501, a binder consisting of 2.5 wt% nitroplasticizer (NP) and 2.5 wt% Estane R 5703 (Estane) is combined with 94.9 wt% of the high-explosive HMX and 0.1 wt% stabilizer. Because of its flexibility and tensile strength, this binder lowers the sensitivity and improves the manufacturability of PBX 9501. However, like many plasticizers comprised of low molecular weight components, NP has a tendency to diffuse out of the PBX 9501 matrix and can decompose at moderate temperatures into reactive byproducts, such as NO, NO 2 , H 2 O, and HNO x . Through oxidation and hydrolysis, these molecules can further degrade NP and Estane, ultimately degrading the properties of PBX 9501. While gaseous molecules can readily diffuse out of the PBX 9501 charges, the intermediates with lower volatility are more likely trapped in the condensed phase inside the charges and, in a closed system, will co-exist with Estane for an extended period of time creating an ongoing reactive environment. Understanding the rates of formation for these volatiles and intermediates during the NP degradation is therefore a critical prerequisite for understanding the long-term stability of polymeric binders used in munition systems. To work toward this ultimate goal, in the past year, we have conducted comprehensive studies on the physical properties of NP and finished three-year long aging experiment to understand the aging behavior of NP under thermal treatment. Important results are summarized in this annual report. Although NP is widely used in the DOE complex, their physical properties are rather scattered and inconsistent in the open literature. For example, there are at least two widely different values, 14.5°C and -15°C, for the melting point of NP. Although it is known that NP is a eutectic 50:50 mixture of BDNPA and BDNPF, their eutectic phase diagram is not well documented. Furthermore, the effect of temperature on the miscibility between water and eutectic BDNPA/F mixture is rarely reported. To fill these knowledge gaps, a large set of BDNPA/F mixtures with BDNPA concentration ranging from 0 to 100 wt% was analyzed using DSC techniques. In addition to determining the eutectic melt point as -25°C, a phase diagram of the BDNPA/F system was constructed from -30°C to 45°C. With this phase diagram, the phase transition temperatures and composition can be readily found for the BDNPA/F mixtures with various mass ratios.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

HPC for the EEC: Industrial Trade Tools for the Aging Energy Infrastructure

The petrochemical and refining sectors are challenged with reliably delivering safer and cleaner energy to US consumers, while meeting an ever-growing global demand. The petrochemical and refining infrastructure in the USA is aging, and corrosion and damage mechanisms are constant threats to mechanical integrity, safety, and profitability. However, governments and industry stakeholders are reluctant to replace or upgrade the existing infrastructure due to the immense cost. To better understand and mitigate the risks of aging energy infrastructure, strong technical analysis capabilities, combined with optimized monitoring and decision making, is critical. Today, this is accomplished via complex simulations and data analysis. To this end, advanced High-Performance-Computing (HPC) software will be leveraged and integrated in easy-to-use industrial trade tools, to lower the barrier for new users, increase the ease of access for experienced users, and allow for smarter decisions to be made in the midstream and downstream energy sectors.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effects of 18 O Exchange on Neutron Emission Rates of Aging 238 PuO 2 LWRHUs

The Lightweight Radioisotope Heater Unit (LWRHU) provides about 1 Watt of thermal power to critical electrical and mechanical systems in the extreme temperatures of space, maintaining the operating temperature of the spacecraft’s scientific and general operating equipment. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) designed and tested the LWRHU in the 1970s through early 1980s. The first production campaign at LANL was in the early 1980s in support of the Galileo mission in which over 100 LWRHUs were manufactured. In the mid-1990s, almost 200 LWRHUs were manufactured in support of the Cassini mission. After the primary Cassini manufacturing campaign, the Department of Energy (DOE) approved the fabrication of more than 10 additional LWRHUs as spares in 1998. The LWRHU assembly contains the following components: a fuel pellet, a vented capsule, a pyrolytic graphite insulator, and a fine-weave pierced fabric (FWPF) graphite aeroshell. The fuel pellet is a hot-pressed 238 PuO 2 cylindrical pellet that is sintered to create a ceramic pellet. The pellet is encapsulated in a platinum-rhodium encapsulation. The welded fueled clad is placed inside a pyrolytic graphite thermal insulation to protect the fuel from the heat produced in reentry events. The exterior layer of the LWRHU assembly is the FWPF aeroshell. Before sintering, PuO 2 granules are heated in a furnace at temperatures greater than or equal to 700°C under an enriched 16 O atmosphere in order to reduce trace quantities of 18 O. Because 18 O undergoes an (α,n) reaction, 18 O needs to be removed as much as possible to meet radiation emission requirements set by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as well as other agencies. The relative abundances of the oxygen isotopes are indicated by neutron emission rate (NER) measurements. LWRHUs are vented with a sintered platinum frit vent (George 1986). During extraterrestrial operation, the vent in the cladding allows helium from the decay of plutonium to escape and relieves pressure from the system while preventing the solids from escaping (Rinehart 1996, Tate 1982 & 1985). This vent is protected during manufacture by a platinum-30 rhodium cover. The capsule vent is activated by milling a 0.025-inch diameter hole through the protective cover to a nominal depth of 0.015 inches, generally immediately before the LWRHU is loaded into the aeroshell (George 1986). Prior to long-term storage, LWRHUs are vented and thus potentially allow infiltration of 18 O from the ambient atmosphere. Although NER decreases with age due to the reduction in emitted alpha particles, it might be expected that NER reduction is mitigated by the exchange of 18 O. However, this is not necessarily the case and no trend was observed relating NER to age other than the natural decay of 238 Pu (Mulford 2021). The most probable and dominant factor for determining specific NER was manufacturing discrepancies between individual units. It is important to understand the lack of observed 16 O- 18 O exchange and to compare LWRHU pellets as much as possible.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2021

SR19021 Tritium Aging of Regenerated LANA.75 (Final Project Report)

The Savannah River Tritium Enterprise (SRTE) has used the metal hydride LaNi 4.25 Al 0.75 (LANA.75) in the Tritium Facilities for over two decades. The objective of this project was to expand upon the understanding of LANA.75 regeneration. Three distinct scopes were identified: monitor tritium aging of the single sample regenerated, regenerate a second tritium-aged sample, and perform thermal stability testing on a non-tritiated sample of LANA.75.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fluoropolymer Aging Assessments

Fluoropolymer (FP) binders are commonly only a few percent of polymer bonded explosive compositions but they are essential for the mechanical integrity of the part. Because we are using newly manufactured binders, we need to understand how lot variations might affect processing, aging, and mechanical properties. Time, temperature and radiation induce phase changes in fluoropolymers. These phase changes can rearrange the polymer causing crystalline domains to nucleate and grow that can alter mechanical properties. These studies quantify the aging process so that it may be cross correlated with changes in the adhesion, strength, and other properties important for performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

LLNL FY2022 Aging and Lifetimes Exit Criteria: Milestone 8118, GC#3

Adhesives and adhesive-bond joints play a critical role in many applications across the national security enterprise. They are ubiquitous and their aging performance can impact the physical and chemical behavior of complex systems. Previously, we have explored the chemical aging behavior of polyurethane adhesives (Halthane 73-18, Halthane 88-3, and Wilethane 44) exposed to varying levels of radiation and identified the primary chemical degradation products. In this work, we expand upon our analysis to understand how the mechanical properties of adhesives-bonded joints behave after radiation exposure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Extended Bandwidth Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry Cable Test for Thermal Aging, Low Resistance Fault, and Water Detection

In 2022, researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) used the Accelerated and Real-Time Environmental Nodal Assessment (ARENA) cable and motor test bed to characterize spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) and compare the responses of an SSTDR instrument to those of a frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) instrument. Results showed both techniques could detect and locate cable anomalies such as phase-to-phase low resistance and shorts, thermal insulation damage, mechanical insulation damage, and the presence or absence of water in some conditions. The SSTDR tests used a commercial instrument provided by LiveWire Innovations Inc. This commercial instrument performed tests at 6, 12, 24, and 48 MHz bandwidth. The results of these tests were compared to FDR tests where bandwidths could be extended up to 1.3 GHz, although the best responses for cable tests were from 100 to 500 MHz. Lower bandwidth signals can propagate better along the cable while higher bandwidths have higher resolution for impedance change reflections allowing more precise indication of location and separation of anomalies. The 2022 research found that FDR responses were clearer than SSTDR and speculated that a higher bandwidth SSTDR could more successfully detect and locate cable anomalies. One advantage of the SSTDR system investigated was that it was designed for energized online use up to 1,000 volts, which may be a significant advantage for nuclear power plant use. The LiveWire SSTDR instrument is an established product in the rail and aircraft industry and updating the SSTDR hardware parameters is difficult to justify without more conclusive testing. Therefore, a software adjustable laboratory SSTDR instrument was developed by PNNL and was used to test extended bandwidth SSTDR cable tests. Within the ARENA test bed, 42 cable conditions were tested with the PNNL SSTDR, FDR, and the LiveWire SSTDR—each operating at four different bandwidths. Observations and conclusions regarding the relative performance of the three instruments over different bandwidths are note below. Responses of the PNNL SSTDR (at 50 MHz) and the LiveWire SSTDR (at 48 MHz) were similar. The PNNL SSTDR higher frequency bandwidths behaved as expected showing sharper peaks and higher noise. This validated the PNNL SSTDR as a reasonable implementation of the SSTDR technology. Lower bandwidth SSTDR responses (particularly 6 and 12 MHz) may have increased value for use within longer cables but were not particularly effective at identifying anomalous cable behavior in the 100 ft cables tested here. The higher bandwidths of the PNNL SSTDR (50, 100, 200, and 400 MHz) did not provide substantially clearer cable reflectometry responses, but having the higher frequency responses available did add to the cable test evaluation. Strong responses to shorts and low impedance faults between phases were particularly evident in the higher bandwidth PNNL SSTDR and the FDR data. Measurements were repeatable, with similar responses obtained from a thermally aged cable for tests taken a month apart. Signal noise was affected in the unshielded cable by the local in-tray cable arrangement including proximity to metal edges and rungs of the cable tray. Foam isolation of the cable from the tray metal reduced in both FDR and SSTDR responses. Cable condition monitoring in nuclear power plants will likely benefit from both more informative off-line testing methods and from the development of on-line methods for continuous monitoring of cables in use. The LWRS-funded ARENA test bed was a valuable resource for this development and direct comparison of nuclear electrical cable condition monitoring technologies. Test results are targeted to guide industry advancement of testing and monitoring tools for cable aging management.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fluoropolymer Aging Phenomena

This project aims to investigate structural and morphological changes in fluoropolymers induced by both processing and aging phenomena such as heat, time, and irradiation. Fluoropolymers are an important class of thermoplastics that are broadly used in industry as o-rings and seals when chemical resistance and thermal performance are important. They are also often used in thin film geometries as binders in batteries, insulation layers, water barriers, and anti-fouling coatings. For all of these applications, mechanical integrity and aging are important aspects of their use. Changes in the crystalline morphology are known to impact the mechanical properties of the polymer and can lead to failure. The broad goals of this project are to correlate compositional changes, morphological changes, and mechanical changes. report focuses on the morphological changes that are correlated with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), calorimetry and mechanical testing. We plan to compare structure and morphology measurements across complementary bulk and surface techniques. We use in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure domain shape and crystallization kinetics; in situ NMR to measure crystalline composition; and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure melting temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Methods and Models for the Study of Aging Effects in Palladium Tritide

We have developed methods to expose milligram-scale samples of metals to tritium for studies of aging effects on material properties, primarily intended for metals that reversibly form hydrides. The tritium decays to helium within the solid, leading to profound changes in microstructural features and macroscopic properties. We present our combined experimental and modeling approach, and provide an example of a palladium foil aged 3 months.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Diagnosis of PV Cell Antireflective Coating Degradation Resulting from Hot-Humid, High Voltage Potential Aging

Corrosion of the antireflective coating on a photovoltaic cell ("ARc corrosion") has previously been observed in studies using hot-humid test conditions with external high-voltage (HV) bias. This study primarily focuses on known vulnerable, legacy aluminum back surface field (Al-BSF) cells in mini-modules (MiMos) put through comparative stepped stress tests. Each cell type had MiMos at +1500 V, -1500 V, or unbiased ("Voc") potential, which were sequentially subjected to test conditions of 60deg C/60% relative humidity (RH) for 96 h, as in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Specification 62804-1; 70 deg C/70% RH for 200 h; and 85 deg C/85% RH for 200 h. Characterizations at each step included visual camera and electroluminescence (EL) imaging, colorimetry, and current-voltage (I-V) curve tracing. Final characterizations included: Suns-Voc; spatial mapping of external quantum efficiency (EQE); high-resolution photoluminescence (PL), EL, and dark lock-in thermography (DLIT) imaging. Forensics were performed on extracted cores, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning Auger microscopy (SAM). Forensics were also conducted on MiMos from previous studies that underwent stepped HV aging and separate outdoor aged full-sized modules. ARc corrosion was specifically seen for the glass/encapsulant/cell side of the +1500V (HV+) stressed MiMos and modules. Appearance, color, and reflectance were the most distinguishing characteristics relative to glass corrosion, gridline-corrosion and -delamination as well as other concurrent degradation modes. SEM/EDS and SAM identified conversion of silicon nitride to hydrated silica, hydrous silica, or hydrated amorphous silica, which preferentially occurred at the edges and tips of the pyramidal textured cell surface.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ratio of 1,275 and 186 keV Gamma Ray Count Rates for Age Determination of Material in UF 6 Cylinders

In this work, a method for using ratios of passive gamma ray measurements to determine the time since the filling of UF 6 cylinders was explored. This method uses the 186 keV gamma ray emitted by 235 U and the 1,275 keV gamma ray that results from interactions of alpha particles in fluorine. Studies were made using MCNP models of both 30B cylinders and smaller 5A cylinders. Results indicate that for enrichments at or above that of natural uranium, this approach may provide a method for determining age up to 10 years or identifying whether the age is greater than 10 years, even if the uranium enrichment is unknown. The calculated results show the same behavior as the results of a recent measurement campaign, indicating the possibility of using this method for real-world cylinders.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Automated Algorithms for Screening Electronic Parts for Aging using Power Spectra Analysis (PSA) Data

Understanding the age of semiconductor parts being built into devices and systems is of interest for manufacturing quality control. Power spectrum analysis (PSA) is a fast, non-destructive, sensitive method for examining semiconductor parts. This talk will cover the use of multivariate analysis on both PSA data and conventional current-voltage data generated prior to PSA analysis to create algorithms that can be automated to screen semiconductor parts for aging.

Multari, Rosalie A↗
DOE OSTI2025

White Paper: Scalable Digital Twin Capabilities for Aging and Surveillance of Engineered Systems

This white paper presents a multi-year initiative to develop practical, secure, and scalable digital twin capabilities for engineered systems in aging and surveillance contexts—an approach pioneered at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) that maps directly onto the needs and ambitions of the Navy for ship- and fleet-level digital twins. LLNL’s work in building part- and process-level digital twins for advanced manufacturing, with a vision to scale up to entire factory floors and, ultimately, enterprise-wide digital twins, offers an adaptable pathway for the Navy as it seeks to modernize lifecycle management, readiness, and predictive maintenance across ships and fleets. For our application, we integrate physics-based modeling with automated data ingestion, processing, and AI-driven calibration, creating hybrid models that are both interpretable and data responsive. We modernized legacy workflows, established centralized data infrastructure, automated experimental pipelines, and demonstrated end-to-end coupling of accelerated aging data with finite element simulations via optimization and surrogate modeling. The result is a generalizable framework that supports part-level digital twins today and lays the groundwork for future system-level twins suitable for Navy applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗